A-grade: Deni Rovers 33 defeated Rennie 25.
Rovers A-grade launched their finals campaign with a hard-fought win over Rennie at Blighty on the weekend.
The girls got off to a great start and were able to maintain their lead throughout the game, despite a spirited fight-back by their determined opponents.
In a lesson on defensive structures, Natalie Sampson and Chrissy Hurst were punishing of any loose balls, creating turnovers, and sending play back down the court for the shooters to capitalise on.
This was often challenging as Rennie’s defensive structures proved very effective, but with their trademark patience and persistence, the Rovers girls reset, time and again continuing their attack.
Chloe Brown was tireless in wing attack, providing excellent feeds to the circle.
Rovers will now have another week off before playing in the preliminary final on their home court.
Awards: Physiofit with Britt - Chrissy Hurst; Timbrr Firewood - Abbey Wills; Keet’s Hair - Chloe Brown.
B-grade: Deni Rovers 57 def Strathmerton 42.
The Rovers girls have really dialled up their intensity at training the last few weeks and drilled down on their game plan.
Rovers knew Strathy were bursting at the seams with smart heads and fit bodies and only a few goals separated the teams at last meeting.
After a predictable tight start to the game, the Rovers girls decided all their nerves were out and they were ready to step up to the challenge.
Great leadership and support on the court and bench alike were pivotal in taking the girls game to the next level, leading to breakaway second and third quarters.
Heading into the final quarter the girls just needed to maintain the quality of their play and enjoy the final 15 minutes which is exactly what they did.
Thanks to Strathy for a great game, some quality netball on show.
And congratulations to every member of the Rovers B-grade team.
It was a slick performance from all, and we were very happy with the execution of goals.
Awards: Glow Beauty - Simone Lumbar; Keet’s Hair - Brittany Edwards.
C-grade: Deni Rovers 40 def Waaia 38.
Rovers and Waaia went into this game determined to win and claim the qualifying final.
Pressure across the court was felt from the first pass.
The Rovers started strong and Waaia worked hard to push and control a fast paced game.
Rovers fought to slow and control the play through the midcourt and feed the ball into the goal ring, resulting in a three goal lead at half-time.
The Rovers’ defence battled for every intercept and rebound as Carissa Holmberg, Catie Lewis and Abby Whitehorn challenged every Waaia pass.
The pressure in the final quarter was intense and spectators were on their feet as the score drew in the final minutes.
As the intensity and cheering increased, Rovers maintained their focus to score two final goals and celebrate a hard fought qualifying final win.
Nicole Felmingham and Catie Lewis were recognised for their determination and focus which inspired the team.
Awards: Cin’s Remedial Massage - Nicole Felmingham; Keet’s Hair - Catie Lewis.
C-Reseves: Deni Rovers 32 def Katandra 21.
Rovers and Katandra began with a steady and controlled game where goals followed the centre pass.
Ellie Fishlock applied pressure, taking a great intercept early to break the deadlock and inspire the team to build momentum and create a six goal lead.
Katanda responded by making changes at the break and increased the pressure, but Rovers held their positions and the lead into half-time.
Katandra tried to increase the pressure and pace of the game but Mollie Leetham responded with great timing and passages of play to settle the team and increase their lead.
Rovers showed great team work, fight and determination across the entire game to be rewarded with a qualifying final win over Katandra.
Alicia Collisson was recognised by the team for defending her heart out and attacking right down the court.
Awards: Frank n Beans - Alicia Collisson; Keet’s Hair - Kaila Park.
Under-17s: Katunga 31 def Deni Rovers 26.
The Rovers girls knew the Swans would give them one of the toughest match ups of the weekend after going down by 16 goals in their last encounter.
Some early errors and footwork calls allowed the Swans to get an early lead and the Rovers girls had a chase on their hands.
They fought for every ball.
The girls were relentless and played with intensity for the whole duration of the game, and the scoreline could have gone either way.
Even though the Rovers went down by five goals, they should be proud of their game and get ready to bring it next week.
Awards: Subway - Erika Martin; Nourish - Reagan Behsman; Rovers Canteen - Hazel Glowrey.
Under-15s: Tungamah 32 def Deni Rovers 27.
In a closely contested match, the Rovers under-15s team faced off against Tungamah, resulting in a tough loss for the Rovers girls who fell short by five goals.
Both teams displayed remarkable determination and skill throughout the game, making it an exciting battle on the court.
Right from the first whistle, the intensity was nerve racking as both teams fought tooth and nail for every possession.
The defensive efforts of both sides were commendable, with interceptions and tightly contested passes creating a dynamic and fast-paced gameplay.
Tungamah managed to secure a lead early on, capitalising on their strong teamwork and strategic positioning.
However, the Rovers refused to back down, launching a series of counter attacks that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats.
The shooters showcased their accuracy, converting crucial goals and narrowing the point gap.
As the game progressed, Rovers attempted to turn the tide by capitalising on turnovers and executing well-coordinated plays.
Unfortunately Tungamah were too strong and Rovers will now have to focus on their second chance next weekend.
Awards: Rovers Canteen - Sienna Elphick and Bae Willis.
Under-13s: Deni Rovers 29 def Mathoura 17.
A massive team effort saw the Roos cruise to the preliminary final.
Nina Glowrey, Ava Braybon, Stella Andrews and Zoe Basset restricted scoring opportunities for Mathoura.
The defensive pressure forced errors and high balls resulting in turnovers.
Lilly Boyer and Georgia Dankert were unstoppable in the ring with great movement and accurate shooting.
Amelie Bulmer led the midcourt, combining with Lara Horne and Eva Maher to link both ends of court for fluent passages of play.